Wireless Broadband Funding Arrives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) June 14, 2011 -- After nearly two years of rigorous application processes and many months of contract discussion, all paperwork has been finalized and Big River Telephone can now start its $33 million dollar broadband build under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to launch a wireless broadband network and services in the seven-county region.

“We are pleased all paperwork has been finalized. We understand the “hurry up and wait” process and commend everyone involved in this project who took extra time to ensure due-diligence,” said Kevin Cantwell, President of Big River Telephone. “Now we’re ready to begin the next steps to be able to offer wireless broadband service to the seven-county region.”

The seven-county region includes Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and Washington counties. Now that funding has been finalized, tower construction can begin, with project completion expected within 20 months.

“In our commitment to these communities, we’ll soon roll out free Wi-Fi to many downtown locations in this seven-county region. This is the first sign that wireless broadband will soon be available in your area,” said Cantwell.

The $33 million project is a combination of federal stimulus funds made up of $12.2 million in grants and $12.2 million in loans. Big River will also be committing $9 million to the broadband initiative.

Several local people have already been hired at Big River Broadband for the wireless initiative. They are part of the 74 resources to be hired in Big River Broadband.

“During the due diligence process Big River Broadband was moving forward, despite funding not having been finalized. Thanks to our preparedness, we’re ready to move forward without delay now,” he said.

Big River Broadband will continue hiring at a much more rapid pace now that funding has been finalized said Cantwell. The economic impact of the wireless broadband initiative will be evident throughout the seven counties.

Big River’s website and social media outlets are the first place to go for current information on job openings and broadband efforts.

“Our goal is to keep consumers interactive and engaged throughout this process. We’ve dedicated specific areas on our website just for wireless broadband updates and will be engaging through Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels regularly,” he said.

Wireless broadband services will enhance the way people communicate. Through access to a reliable network, local schools, hospitals, residents and businesses can stay connected to the world around us like never before.

Big River Broadband’s initiative is also part of MoBroadbandNow, a public-private partnership to provide high-speed Internet access across the state. Big River’s initiative will bring high-speed wireless broadband access to 90 percent of residents in the seven-county region.

broadband     technology.     wireless